Who We Are

The Dream Factory Team

The Dream Factory is a charitable organization dedicated to fulfilling dreams for kids who are battling life-threatening illnesses. We’re unique because we’re based in Manitoba – and all of the funds we raise stay in this province to help local children. Everything we do is focused on helping sick kids and their families.

The Dream Factory relies solely on the generous support of people and businesses. Since 1983, when we were founded as The Rainbow Society, we’ve created cherished memories for more than 700 families in Manitoba.

Our Goals Are Simple:

• Grant the request of every eligible child
• Ensure the dream is in the best interest of the child
• Include the child’s immediate family
• Fulfill the dream outside the hospital environment
• Provide funds to families who require financial assistance

Our History

The Dream Factory’s origins date back to 1983 when two mothers founded the very first wish-granting organization in Canada, called The Rainbow Society. It was established as a not-for-profit charity dedicated to bringing happiness and hope to children facing life-threatening illnesses. Their first “rainbow of dreams” was granted to a seven-year old boy named Jamie, who was undergoing treatment for a brain tumour.

An avid hockey fan, Jamie dreamed of meeting his hero Wayne Gretzky. His dream came true during the 1983-84 season, when the NHL’s Winnipeg Jets supplied tickets for a game against the Edmonton Oilers. Jamie’s evening began with his family at a Mexican restaurant called Chi-Chi’s, and then he watched in awe as his hero scored four goals during the game at the Winnipeg arena. Afterward, Wayne was generous with his time as Jamie lived his dream to meet him. In fact, he met several Oilers players during a tour of the dressing room. A joyful Jamie left with a cherished keepsake – an autographed game stick that read: To Jamie, from your good friend, Wayne Gretzky.

From then on, it became the organization’s mission to keep making dreams come true for as many Manitoba kids as possible.

New Name, Same Focus

The Rainbow Society continued to evolve so that it could deliver a happy and carefree experience for children who need a break from battling illnesses. In 2011, after creating cherished memories for more than 500 families, we re-branded to become The Dream Factory, keeping our original goal to fulfill a dream for every eligible child. At the very core, it’s about making dreams come true for special kids in Manitoba – it always has been, and always will be.

Watch our video on The Dream Factory’s brand launch:

“I first became involved with this charity in 1985, when it was The Rainbow Society. I’m very proud to support their efforts to give hope and smiles to kids who really need it.”- Fred Penner